Melbourne Great Ocean Rd Reverse Tour London Bridge Wildlife

The clever part of this Great Ocean Road trip is its reverse route. Instead of reaching the Twelve Apostles with every other morning tour, you visit the western sights first, then travel the coast at a better time for light and crowds. The extra stop at London Bridge gives the day something many standard outings leave out.

I like the chance to see koalas, kangaroos, and parrots in open habitat, not just in a wildlife park. I also like the choice of three vehicle styles, from a lower-cost coach to a 15-person Mercedes-Benz van. The catch is simple: this is a very long day, and lunch does not arrive until about 3 PM, so bring snacks.

Key points at a glance

• Reverse the usual route: Visit London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Twelve Apostles before the main coastal drive, helping with crowds and photo light.
• Add wildlife to the road trip: The itinerary includes a secret stop where you may spot koalas, kangaroos, parrots, and other native animals.
• Choose your group size: Pick a classic coach, a mid-size vehicle with no more than 35 people, or a premium Mercedes-Benz van for up to 15.
• Expect a full day: The outing lasts 12 to 13 hours, with an early start for the standard options and a later 8 AM departure for the premium van.
• Lunch is on your own: Apollo Bay provides the main meal break, but the timing is late. Carry water and food for the morning.
• Get more than the famous rocks: London Bridge, rainforest country, Apollo Bay, and the Memorial Arch round out the Twelve Apostles visit.

Why the reverse Great Ocean Road route matters

The Great Ocean Road is one of Victoria’s most popular day trips, so the order of stops can change the feel of the day. This tour begins by heading toward the western end of the route, visiting London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Twelve Apostles before moving toward Apollo Bay and the eastern coastal road.

That order has two practical benefits. First, it can reduce the chance of arriving at the most famous lookouts alongside the largest cluster of day buses. Second, the coast may be lit more favorably for photographs at the time you reach it. Light and traffic are never fully predictable, but the plan is sensible.

You should still expect a busy schedule. Melbourne is far from the Twelve Apostles, and the round trip takes most of the day. The route breaks up the driving with short walks and photo stops, but you will spend a fair amount of time on the bus.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.7 from 2,252 ratings, and the strongest pattern in the feedback is the quality of the guides. Philip, William, Daniel Huang, Allan, Yang, and David Hsu are repeatedly praised for keeping people informed, safe, and on time. David Hsu is especially noted for providing wireless headsets, letting you hear commentary clearly or switch it off during quiet stretches.

London Bridge, a worthwhile extra stop

London Bridge is the first major stop and lasts about 15 minutes. The name refers to a natural rock formation off the coast, not the famous bridge in England. You get time for photographs, a short look around, and views of the surrounding shore.

This is a useful addition because it gives you another coastal formation before the more famous Twelve Apostles. It also helps the day begin with a quieter stop, rather than rushing straight to the biggest attraction.

Fifteen minutes is not long. You will want to move promptly from the vehicle to the viewpoint, take your photographs, and return when asked. Wear shoes you can walk in comfortably, since the day includes several stops with paths and uneven ground.

Loch Ard Gorge and the story behind the coast

Loch Ard Gorge combines cliffs, sea views, and a short walk. It is named after the Loch Ard, a ship that ran aground near the coast in 1878. The area is tied to one of Victoria’s best-known shipwreck stories, and the guide’s explanation gives the dramatic cliffs more meaning than a quick photo stop alone.

You can expect time for sightseeing and walking, though the precise length depends on traffic, weather, and the pace of the group. The gorge is a good place to slow down for a few minutes and look at how the Southern Ocean has cut into the rock.

The shore can be exposed to wind, so bring a hat that fits securely and a light extra layer. Sunscreen and water matter here even on a cool day. Conditions can change quickly along the coast, and the operator may alter the route because of storms, bushfires, traffic controls, road closures, or other unexpected problems.

The Twelve Apostles: the day’s main event

The Twelve Apostles are the reason most people book this excursion. These limestone stacks rise from the Southern Ocean near the edge of the cliffs, and the viewing platforms provide the classic wide coastal photographs.

You receive free time to visit the lookout and walk around. Do not expect to go down to a beach or spend an hour exploring below the cliffs. One practical criticism of the schedule is that a longer stop here would be welcome, especially if you want more than the standard viewpoint photographs.

Still, the stop is long enough to make the main visit worthwhile when the day runs on time. The reverse itinerary may also help you avoid the heaviest crowds and arrive when the cliffs are easier to photograph. If an optional helicopter flight appeals to you, it can be arranged at an additional cost. The flight is not included in the $46 tour price, and the available time will depend on the day’s schedule.

Your guide will set a firm return time. Take a photograph of the meeting point or note the bus location before walking away. On a long group tour, one late return can affect everyone’s schedule.

Great Otway National Park and the wildlife stop

The bus passes through the Great Otway National Park, a greener change from the open sea cliffs. The area includes dense forest and ferns, and the air feels cooler and more sheltered than the coast.

The tour does not present this section as a long forest walk. Instead, you pass through the park and later stop at a quieter location for a short walk and wildlife viewing. This is one of the most appealing parts of the day because the animals are encountered in their own habitat.

You might see koalas resting in the branches, kangaroos in the bush, and native parrots. Wildlife is never guaranteed, so you should treat these sightings as a bonus rather than the main reason to book. Guides such as Jesen, Philip, William, and Daniel have been praised for knowing useful viewing spots, but animals can move away or remain hidden.

Bring a camera, but keep your distance and follow the guide’s directions. The best sighting may be brief. A phone with a charged battery is useful, since the day offers many photo opportunities and some vehicles provide phone charging, though this should not be assumed for every option.

Apollo Bay and the late lunch

Apollo Bay is the main food break. This coastal town has a relaxed setting, beaches, and restaurants where you can buy lunch, including seafood and other local dishes.

The timing is the main issue. Lunch may not take place until around 3 PM, which is late for many people. The tour rules also say food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, so you should ask for clarification if you plan to carry snacks. At minimum, eat before departure and bring water. The supplied advice specifically recommends snacks because the morning is long.

The break gives you a chance to sit down and reset after the major viewpoints. It is not simply a quick roadside pause. You choose and pay for your own meal, so allow enough time to order, eat, and return to the vehicle promptly.

Apollo Bay is also where the route changes character. After the dramatic western cliffs, you begin the scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road itself. The road curves beside the water and through coastal settlements, making your seat choice worth thinking about.

The drive and the Memorial Arch

The return section includes the famous Memorial Arch at Eastern View, a standard Great Ocean Road photo stop. The arch commemorates workers who built the road after the First World War, and it provides a quick picture that marks your arrival on the celebrated coastal stretch.

The scenery between Apollo Bay and Eastern View is part of the attraction. You may not stop at every viewpoint, but the changing views from the bus help connect the individual sights into one long journey.

Several people have found it useful to arrive early and ask about sitting on the ocean side of the vehicle. You cannot always control your seat, especially on a full coach, but asking politely may help. The best side can also change as the road bends, so do not worry if you cannot secure it.

Picking the right vehicle

The classic coach is the budget choice. It uses an air-conditioned coach and departs from a central Melbourne meeting point at about 7 to 7:30 AM. At $46 per person, it offers strong value if your priority is seeing the main sights without paying for a private-style outing.

The mid-size coach limits the group to no more than 35 people. I see this as the sensible middle option for many people. You still receive the reverse route, London Bridge, wildlife opportunities, and the major coastal stops, but the group should feel less crowded than a large coach.

The premium option uses a late-model Mercedes-Benz van with no more than 15 people. It includes complimentary pickup in the Melbourne CBD area and leaves around 8 AM, giving you an extra hour in bed. You pay more for this option, but the smaller group and later departure can matter if you dislike large vehicles or want more personal contact with the guide.

The standard and mid-size tours use central meeting points. Pickup rules are specific, and St Kilda Road is not included in complimentary pickup despite having a 3000 postal code. Check your exact meeting point before booking.

What the guides add to a long day

A guide can make or break a 12-hour road trip. The best guides on this experience do more than announce the next stop. They explain Australian and Melbourne history, describe the coastal formations, give clear meeting times, and watch that people return safely.

David Hsu has been noted for clear wireless headsets, cold water, phone charging help, and even nausea relief. Those touches are useful on a winding road. Philip and William are often praised for humor and energy, while Daniel Huang is described as patient, friendly, and careful with the group.

Commentary style can vary by guide. One useful feature of the headset system is that you can lower the volume or switch it off when you want to rest. That matters because the drive is long, and not everyone wants continuous narration from Melbourne to the coast and back.

The real value at $46

At $46 per person, this is a low-cost way to reach a part of Victoria that is difficult to cover independently in one day without a car. Transport, the main viewpoints, a guide, and the reverse routing are included. You pay separately for lunch and any helicopter flight.

The value is strongest if you have only one free day in Melbourne and want to combine the Twelve Apostles with wildlife and coastal towns. It is less attractive if you dislike long bus rides, need a slow pace, or want extended time at each lookout.

The price does not mean the day is casual. You are buying access and organization, not a relaxed private drive. The schedule fits a lot into one day, and some stops may feel short. Several people have found the trip intensive, while others felt the frequent stops kept the day from becoming tiring.

Who should book this tour

I would choose this for a first visit to Melbourne when the Great Ocean Road is high on your list. It suits solo visitors, couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants a guide rather than a rental-car day.

The mid-size option is probably the best balance for many people. Choose the classic coach if price matters most. Pick the premium van if a small group, CBD pickup, and later departure are worth the higher cost.

This is not suitable for wheelchair users, and baby strollers, luggage, and large bags are not allowed. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera. Smoking, alcohol, drugs, and food or drinks in the vehicle are prohibited.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The operator does not cover personal losses caused by delays, so avoid scheduling a flight or important appointment soon after the expected return.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, wildlife, Apollo Bay, and the Great Ocean Road in one organized day for a modest price. The reverse route is a smart idea, and the guides add real value through clear instructions, stories, and help with wildlife sightings.

Skip it if you need long, unhurried visits or strongly dislike sitting on a bus. For most first-time visitors with limited time, I think the combination of famous sights, less common stops, and a choice of group sizes makes this a practical Melbourne day trip.

FAQ

How long does the Great Ocean Road tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 12 to 13 hours.

What time does the tour depart?

The classic coach and mid-size coach generally depart from a central Melbourne meeting point around 7 to 7:30 AM. The premium small-group tour departs at about 8 AM.

Does the tour visit London Bridge?

Yes. London Bridge is included as a photo and sightseeing stop, with about 15 minutes of free time.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the tour price. You stop in Apollo Bay, where you can choose and pay for your own meal. Lunch may be as late as 3 PM, so bring snacks for the morning.

Can I see koalas and kangaroos?

The tour includes wildlife viewing at a secret stop, where you may see koalas, kangaroos, parrots, and other native animals. Sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

Is a helicopter flight included?

No. A helicopter tour is optional and costs extra.

Can wheelchair users join the tour?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Baby strollers, luggage, and large bags are also not allowed.